Antipathogenic touchscreen polymer films - SanFlex

Project summary

The project aims to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAI) by developing antipathogenic, flexible and transparent plastic films for touchscreens and displays. The project combines several intertwined activities: (i) Synthesis of dual functional antipathogenic photocatalytic and surface functionalized coating using up-scalable sputtering technologies and a reactive gas-phase photo-fixation process, (ii) transferring the technology onto a flexible polymer film, (iii) In-depth analysis of user needs and options for implementation in healthcare processes as well as socio-technical aspects, (iv) development of solutions for deployment of the innovation in hospitals to mitigate HAIs, and (v) clinical evaluation of the results. A successful project would pave the way for safer healthcare facility. HAIs can occur in any healthcare facility. About 4m people acquire HAI per year in Europe, and is the single most deadly and costly adverse event, using up to 6% of public hospital budget.